'Hands' Broadcast Opened Many Eyes

June 2, 1986|By Thom Duffy of The Sentinel Staff

Does anyone remember Hands Across America?

Only eight days ago, millions linked hands across the land to show they cared for the hungry and homeless. In states like Florida, through which the chain did not pass, radio coverage allowed millions more to be a part of the event.

But has the concern already begun to fade? Eight days is all it may take as our attention shifts.

''It's a wonderful start but if that's all that happens, it's not enough,'' said Mickey Adams, associate executive director of the Human Services Council in Orlando.

Orlando social service officials say they've seen some -- not a lot, but some -- increased interest in their programs since Hands Across America and smaller, local events took place.

''I think it has woken people up,'' said Earl Scarbeary, director of the Christian Service Center, the city's largest private social service agency.

If people truly felt part of a community of concern on May 25, radio deserves some of the credit for electronically creating that community.

But if Hands Across America has little long-term impact, the broadcast also is to blame.

First, the coverage from the United Stations network was a mix of humanism and hucksterism. Host Jim Kerr interviewed experts about the hunger problem one minute; the next he spoke with a publicist for Sea World in Cleveland about how sea mammals would join the line. Coca-Cola and Citibank were heavily promoted as major sponsors.

''Corporate involvement has robbed charity-rock of one of its most potent selling points: the selflessness of its motivation,'' critic Dave Marsh wrote of events like Hands Across America in his newsletter Rock & Roll Confidential.

''Corporate citizens play a role in our country too,'' Kerr responded in a telephone interview. ''Better they use some excess cash to help out this cause than pour it into another tax shelter.''

More troubling was the broadcast's lack of specific suggestions for action after the human chain dissolved. Organizers encouraged pledges to a national fund. But individuals often may help most by donating to groups in their own communities.

On WKIS-AM (740), which broadcast the event in Orlando, Bev Smith discussed those efforts on her May 23 show with Jack Dunathan of the Community Food Bank and Ann Manley of the Human Services Council.

In contrast, WMLO-FM (106.3), which carried the program on the Gulf Coast, enticed listeners with offers of Hands Across America souvenirs -- and told them to read a local paper to learn how to donate.

In Orlando, the Christian Service Center, at 808 W. Central Ave., accepts non-perishable food donations from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. People may also get involved by calling the Community Food Bank at (305) 295-1066, the Human Services Council at (305) 894-1441 or the First United Methodist Church at (305) 849-6080. First Methodist, at 142 E. Jackson St., opened a shelter this week for the homeless who now sleep in the church courtyard.

''Anything that calls attention to the problem of homelessness and hunger in America is important,'' wrote Charles Stopford, a member of the church's task force on homelessness, in a letter to The Orlando Sentinel. ''Let your readers know of the hungry and homeless people in Orlando. They are in our midst. Holding hands around Lake Eola or across the nation will mean nothing unless their cause is heard.''